Who owns Village Voice Media? This question has intrigued many, as the company has a rich history and has played a significant role in the media industry. In this article, we will delve into the ownership details of Village Voice Media and explore its impact on the industry.
Village Voice Media, a company known for its alternative weekly newspapers, was founded in 1955 by Ed Fancher and Dan Wolf in New York City. Over the years, it expanded to include other publications, such as the LA Weekly and the Phoenix New Times, and became a household name in the world of alternative media. However, the ownership of Village Voice Media has seen several changes, with different entities taking control at different times.
In 1996, Village Voice Media was acquired by New Times Newspapers, which was owned by a private equity firm called New Times Publishing Company. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era for the company, as it continued to grow and diversify its operations. Under New Times Publishing Company’s ownership, Village Voice Media expanded its presence in various cities across the United States.
In 2005, Village Voice Media was sold to a group of investors led by Jay Kerkam, who was a former executive at New Times. This new ownership group aimed to take the company to new heights and explore new business opportunities. During this period, Village Voice Media faced various challenges, including competition from other media outlets and a decline in print advertising revenue.
In 2012, Village Voice Media experienced another significant change in ownership when it was acquired by Voice Media Group, a company founded by Scott Raab and Peter Culkin. Voice Media Group was a media company that owned several alternative weekly newspapers and online publications. This acquisition allowed Village Voice Media to further expand its reach and strengthen its position in the industry.
However, the ownership of Village Voice Media took a darker turn in 2013 when the company was involved in a controversy surrounding its escort services website, Backpage.com. This led to the resignation of CEO Scott Raab and a lawsuit filed against the company. As a result, the ownership of Village Voice Media was taken over by a group of investors led by Peter MacDonagh, who was a former executive at Village Voice Media.
Today, Village Voice Media remains under the ownership of this group of investors, led by Peter MacDonagh. The company continues to operate alternative weekly newspapers and online publications, adapting to the changing media landscape. While the ownership of Village Voice Media has seen its share of controversies and challenges, it remains a significant player in the alternative media industry, shaping the way people consume news and information.
